BEGINNERS

LESSON 1: Beach safety

This lesson is beach based and doesn’t involve getting in the water. The student will become familiar with kite theory, kite control, equipment safety mechanisms, and big picture safety concerns. Students will spend some time flying the 2 meter foil trainer kite and will be given kite flying drills to practice on their own time in order to develop the requisite kite flying skills before starting the first water lesson.
 
Time: Typically 2 hours

Cost: $120.00
 
 

INTERIM TRAINING:

Students are expected to fly trainer kites until capable of demonstrating proficient kite control techniques. Students practice particular drills that develop hand-eye-kite coordination. Students may barrow trainer kites depending on Trainer kite availability.
 
Time: Typically four hrs of diligent kite training time

Cost: Free
 
 

* The water portion is a conservative estimate of timing - depending on age and athleticism, lessons may be accomplished in one or two days

LESSON 2: In water body drag

Students fly an inflatable kite in the water. Using the kite to drag them down wind on their chest, students learn how to maintain constant power with the kite, and gain familiarity with the flying characteristics of inflatable kites. Students learn how to body drag through waves and learn how to re-launch the kite when it crashes in the water. Students will also learn the techniques for one handed kite flying.
 
Time: Typically one or two hrs
Cost: $100.00 per hr w/ video support
 
 

LESSON 3: Board Skills

Students learn to maneuver in the water with their board. Because board leashes pose serious risks of injury, SCKitesurfing instructors do not teach students with board leashes. Students must learn how to retrieve their board when out in the water without a leash. If the student gets pulled too far away from their board, our instructors are always present on the water to facilitate board retrieval in the interests of time. Students also learn specific techniques to get the board on their feet and set up for the water start.
 
Time: Typically one hr
Cost: $100.00 per hr w/ video support
 
* Depending on how quickly the student masters the board handling skills, it is possible that the student would attempt water starts in Lesson 3.
 
 

LESSON 4: Water Start

When students are able to get the board on their feet and are comfortable maintaining this position, then they are ready for the water start. The student will learn all the techniques to successfully get up on the board and ride for about 10 feet. Things happen very quickly at this point, and that is why it is important to have an instructor accessing the student’s every move. With each attempt the student can incorporate feedback and waste less time trying to get up on the board.
 
Time: Typically one to two hrs
Cost: $100.00 per hr w/ video support
 
 

LESSON 5: Straight Riding

At this point the student is competent at retrieving their board, placing it on their feet, and water starting, and is now working on staying up on the board, and edging. The student will learn how to maintain a comfortable speed by connecting the kite’s power control to the amount of edging done with the rail of the student’s board. The student will learn the tricks to compensate for being both overpowered and underpowered.
 
Time: Typically one to two hrs
Cost: $100.00 per hr
 
 

GRADUATION

Although there is much more to kitesurfing than riding in a straight line, typically at this stage, the student has sufficient experience with the kitesurfing equipment, beach safety issues and the conditions that they can begin kitesurfing on their own. Our instructors will help students with purchasing decisions, and are always available for future questions regarding safety and specific kitesurfing maneuvers. Instructors will also assist students in maintaining proper etiquette on the water.

If you are looking for a program aimed at improving intermediate or advanced kiting skills, our instructors, being some of the most talented wave-kiters on the west coast, can create a custom program to meet your needs. Send us an email and we can get started.